2012 250SX or 2012 YZ250

[VintageBlueSmoke]

When it comes to "being used to"...it makes no difference. A bike is a bike. You will find just as many "little" differences between your '12 YZ as you would going Orange.

Getting the KTM, none of your spares will fit. Getting the Yamaha, only 1/2 your spares will fit - and probably not the ones you want.

Yamaha has better suspension but it has an Aluminum frame. (you all know my dislike for aluminum frames)

Here is what I found was the most important issue when considering a new bike: Dealer Support.
If you are buddies with your local dealer, get a 'fair' deal there, they stock or can get your parts quickly, are knowledgable on your model and in your sport - buy that bike. If you are 200 miles from the nearest dealer, and he is a jerk, and you need a part - you are going to miss the race and then blame the bike manufacturer for not anticipating this problem.

I want a dealer who races. I want a dealer I can call on Friday night and say "I need 'x' part, can you bring it to the races Sunday?" Then not have to worry about the bill until Tuesday. Or even better, one that anticipates problems..."Johnny, I got a flat, you got a Tube?" "Sure Kurt." or "Steve, I grabbed the wrong spark plugs, the ones for my Penton. You got a plug for the KTM?" and I get the answer..."Sure Kurt."

The differences between a Yamaha, KTM, Husqvarna, Suzuki, TM, or Beta are so small and unimportant that it just comes down to support and choice of color. Oh and one more thing...

...With the KTM, you'll need new riding gear.

[eprovenzano]

...With the KTM, you'll need new riding gear.

Good thought vintage, I'd hate to be caught wearing blue gear on a pumkin bike...      

[Stusmoke]

They're both pure bred four stroke eaters but personally I would go with the KTM. Between KTM actually supporting the 2 stroke cause, absolute monstrous brakes, a weapon of a motor and coming forward with their suspension by leaps and bounds I'd go the KTM. As opposed to the YZ which hasnt changed since 2005. Not to mention the 7 or so grand you spend on that bike goes straight into yamahas Four joke programs

[chump6784]

Just weigh up the strengths of each,
KTM - better engine, better brakes and better chassis
Yamaha - better suspension. On the suspension I believe Yamaha is the only manufacturer that uses the SSS suspension, get the KTM set up with the right valving and springs for your weight and speed as you would with any bike the KTM is on par with the rest of the Jap bikes anyway.

If it were me i know which one i would pick

[citabjockey]

...With the KTM, you'll need new riding gear.

Good thought vintage, I'd hate to be caught wearing blue gear on a pumkin bike...      

This is not a problem. I never let color coordination get in the way of going riding.
Well, maybe a little. Actually updating gear every couple of decades is generally a good idea...

[JW400]

Ive always known that the KTM has had a MONSTER of a motor, the suspension has me worried though. Since they moved from the PDS to the linkage, im wondering if they've taken all of the jap gains and used them to bring their stuff up to par? It would be hard to leave the SSS behind, but at this point, im willing to try anything to get a bike to corner fairly well. The braking power of the KTM would also be a plus. Idk if its just cause my bike is 6yrs old or what, but my front brake seems non-existant compared to my brothers 08 YZ and the SX comes with oversized rotors.

[SachsGS]

The future is the KTM.

[Stusmoke]

The future is the KTM.

Pretty much hey. They're good, reliable, very fast and look hot. Not to mention so many people have had it with dumping 5 grand into their engine every couple of seasons they want two strokes and KTM make the best

[rocrac]

2012 KTM 250 owner and wrench for a fast mx A rider.  I couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money for 7 year old technology with the YZ. Superior brakes, clutch, Vforce reed valve, excell rims, adjustable power valve, on the fly ignition mapping, adjustable bar mounts this list goes on.  This bike flat out rips and if you're not up to the power changing the power charactoristics is a flip of a switch or a couple 8 mil bolts.  The suspension, like all suspensions need to re-valved and sprung to your weight and riding abilities I would make sure you deal with someone who knows WP .  I would reccomend speaking to Bo Babbit at Cycle Specialties in GA if he doesn't have one he may be able to find one for you.  His son russell races off road and they understand/appreciate racing.  Good luck either way...go 2 strokes.

[motoman356]

go with a KTM. you start off with more power and a better chassis. susp isnt bad and can be tuned. plus KTM actually reinvests that money into the two stroke program. i dont know what yamaha with their money cuz the two strokes are 6yrs old and the YZF's dont get much tuning.

[MetalMike1982]

 I dont think KTM alone is the way of the future but euro bikes all together . Seems like the bergs, gasgas,TM and Husky's are pretty nice bikes too .